Charities open to religious groups

BEIJING - Chinese authorities have given the green light for religious groups to engage in more charitable work, according to an announcement by the State Administration for Religious Affairs and five other departments.

Preferential policies, including government subsidies and tax reductions, are in place when religious groups seek registration to establish foundations, nursing homes and hospitals, the notice said.

Tariff waivers and reductions are allowed when faith-based charitable groups receive donations from outside China and use them directly for charitable causes such as poverty alleviation.